Thegoa Lagoon and Reserve – Free Campgrounds, Wentworth

Positioned at the historic junction of Australia’s two greatest rivers, the Murray and the Darling, Thegoa Lagoon and Reserve offers a magnificent free camping experience steeped in natural beauty. This large, pet-friendly reserve is located just a stone’s throw from the charming paddle-steamer town of Wentworth, providing a perfect blend of peaceful seclusion and convenient access to services. The campground itself is a vast, open, grassy area that lines the tranquil Thegoa Lagoon, an anabranch of the Murray River. It provides an almost limitless choice of sites, many with direct water views, making it ideal for every type of setup from tents to the largest big rigs.

Thegoa Lagoon is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers. The calm waters and surrounding river red gums are a sanctuary for an incredible diversity of birdlife, including pelicans, swans, spoonbills, and countless parrot species. The serene environment makes it a fantastic spot for a leisurely paddle in a kayak or canoe, and the fishing can be very rewarding. This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp with no facilities, so campers must have their own toilet and shower and bring all their own drinking water. The reward is a pristine natural environment and the freedom to enjoy a campfire under the spectacular, star-filled outback sky. Being so close to Wentworth, it’s the perfect base to explore the town’s rich history, from the Old Wentworth Gaol to the Junction Park viewing tower where you can watch the famous rivers meet. For a memorable and budget-friendly stay in this iconic Australian location, Thegoa Lagoon is an unbeatable choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -34.10999, 141.89764

Site Information

• Location: Thegoa Lagoon, near the Murray-Darling junction in Wentworth.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed access road, generally 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge. Strictly for self-contained vehicles.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally 72 hours.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic tables: Some may be available in the reserve.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: No. You must have your own toilet.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive area.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own toilet and shower facilities.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• A fire pit and your own firewood.
• Binoculars for birdwatching.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing in the lagoon and nearby rivers is popular. A NSW Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the lagoon and riverbanks.

Local Amenities (in Wentworth)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Crown Hotel, Wentworth (~2 km)
  • The Royal Hotel, Wentworth (~2 km)
  • Wentworth Services Club (~2 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • A wide selection of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Wentworth (~2 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Murray-Darling Junction Park & Viewing Tower (~2 km)
  • Old Wentworth Gaol (~3 km)
  • Perry Sandhills (~8 km)
  • PS Ruby – Historic Paddle Steamer (~2 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Willow Bend Caravan Park, Wentworth (~2 km)
  • Wentworth Central Motor Inn & Caravan Park (~2 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Fort Courage Caravan Park (low cost, further up the Darling)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Wentworth Visitor Information Centre (~2 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Wentworth (~2 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Wentworth Visitor Information Centre (~2 km).
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are in Wentworth town centre (~2 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Sunraysia / Outback NSW (Arid)

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. Average temperatures from 20°C to 35°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for camping and exploring. Temperatures range from 12°C to 28°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cool, clear, and sunny days with cold nights that can drop near freezing. Temperatures range from 5°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. A beautiful time to visit as the landscape greens. Temperatures range from 11°C to 27°C.